Smokin' Hop
Rooster Fish Brewing Co.

easily one of the most interesting beers of 2013. they apparently smoke the hops before they are added to the brew kettle. thats right, not the malts, the hops. a light brown tint to a pale golden brew with an average half inch of airy head. it smells distinctly hoppy, but not particularly smoky. i get as much spice as i do smoke, mostly peppercorn, and a very pale malt base. the flavor is a total surprise. the hops start off hot, like spicy hot, not chili but black pepper. its a total front of tongue sensation. its immediately bitter too, and instead of the usual floral or citrus complex of the hop, there is an earthy smoky vibe to it, prickly and intense all the way through. it almost tastes like a bake sale, a smorgasbord of home made cakes and cookies and all. its got that warming malty oven baked element. not hoppy in the traditional sense, the smoke has clearly altered the influence of the hop on the beer. its very different, completely unique in fact, but im not in love with it. it coats the mouth and feels heavier than its lighter body would otherwise reflect. clever beer for the adventurous palate, i always appreciate something new, and this is certainly a first in my book. smoked hops, they are related to something else we smoke right? makes good sense.